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CAROLINA PANTHERS
Cam Newton

NFL, union conclude Panthers didn't violate concussion protocol while treating Cam Newton

Mike Jones
USA TODAY

After concluding its investigation with the NFL Players Association into the Carolina Panthers’ handling of quarterback Cam Newton in their wild-card loss to the New Orleans Saints earlier this month, the NFL announced that the team did indeed adhere to the league's concussion protocol. 

Panthers QB Cam Newton is attended to by team trainers during Carolina's wild-card loss at New Orleans.

Midway through the fourth quarter of the Jan. 7 game, Newton sustained an injury on a blow to the head while getting sacked. He stood up and appeared to be impaired as he winced and walked to the sideline but took a knee before he reached the Carolina bench area. Medical personnel had to meet him on the field. Newton missed one play before the Panthers punted. Newton returned to the game — nearly five minutes ran off the game clock between Panthers drives — and completed the contest.

The NFL reviewed the matter to determine whether Carolina adhered to protocol while examining Newton and then letting him return to the game. The investigation revealed that he'd actually suffered an abrasion to his eye, which video footage confirmed. The league’s statement said that Newton took a knee during his return to the sideline because coach Ron Rivera, who had directed trainers to go meet the quarterback, instructed Newton to do so, communicating to him through the radio in his helmet.

The league said that the Panthers examined Newton’s eye, and then took extra precautions while checking him for further injury on the sideline. The NFL also concluded that Newton "did not display 'gross motor instability,' which would have necessitated a locker room evaluation in the Concussion Protocol" and that Carolina's "medical team acted with an abundance of caution."

The league also took the opportunity to reprimand armchair doctors.

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"We urge restraint among those who attempt to make medical diagnoses based upon the broadcast video alone," read the NFL's statement. "Evaluation for a concussion requires not only an analysis of the broadcast video but an examination performed by a medical team familiar with the player and the relevant medical history. Review of this case confirmed again the vigilance, professionalism and conservative approach that is used by our NFL team medical staffs and independent medical providers. Each of these medical professionals is committed to the best care of our NFL players and is not influenced by game situation or the player's role on the field. To suggest otherwise is irresponsible and not supported by the medical facts."

The Panthers became the third team investigated this season for adherence to the concussion protocol. The Seattle Seahawks received a $100,000 fine for failing to properly examine quarterback Russell Wilson after he sustained a head injury during a Nov. 9 game. The Houston Texans were scrutinized for allowing quarterback Tom Savage to re-enter a game on Dec. 10 before re-checking him and placing him into concussion protocol. Savage didn't play again this season. That investigation revealed that the Texans did follow the proper steps in their initial investigation.

The league did, however, implement additional requirements for teams when evaluating potentially concussed players.

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Follow Mike Jones on Twitter @ByMikeJones

 

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